This term describes the kind of terror, dread or panic that overwhelms anxiety sufferers when they are faced with a feared object, situation, or activity. Many common phobias are familiar such as a fear of snakes, enclosed spaces, leaving home, and flying in airplanes.

Other phobias are less well known. Something as simple as lunch may be difficult for someone with a fear of eating in front of others. Agoraphobia, the fear of being in a public space with no escape, like a bus or a crowded store, can leave a person house bound.

Other phobias, such as a fear of taking tests, speaking before a crowd, using a public rest-room, or riding in the back seat of an automobile are more common, but debilitating, none the less. Phobias are treatable with a combination of medication, psychotherapy and behavior modification.

Symptoms of a phobia are:

• Persistent fear that is unreasonable, and is triggered by the presence of an object or situation
  
• Exposure or anticipation to an object that provokes an immediate anxiety response
  
• Avoidance of the feared object or situation which is intense and distressful
  
• Can be a symptom of other mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, or separation anxiety